Canada’s agricultural policies are falling short of health and sustainability goals
Canada’s Agricultural Policies are Falling Short of Health and Sustainability Goals
October 16 marks World Food Day, a global initiative drawing attention to "the right to foods for a better life and a better future." However, Canada’s food and agricultural policies are falling short of this objective. This article examines the challenges and proposed solutions to address the issue.
Failing to Serve the Public’s Well-being
Canada’s current agricultural policies are not aligned with the government’s dietary guidelines and health goals. The majority of agricultural program payments and subsidies are invested in feed crops, agricultural export crops, and foods high in saturated fat. This is particularly concerning given the rise of food and lifestyle diseases in Canada, such as diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, and high cholesterol.
The health-care costs of diet-related diseases, which do not meet dietary guidelines, are estimated to account for at least 2% of all health-care costs in Canada, with some estimates suggesting it could be as high as 19%.
Agricultural policy is not just about food; it has a significant impact on health, the economy, and the environment.
Climate Change and Agriculture
Agriculture is a significant contributor to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is intensifying, bringing more frequent and severe weather events, and agriculture is being impacted. Instability in weather patterns threatens regional and global social stability and may require Canada to rethink its dominant role in shaping international trade in agriculture.
Government policies that mainly support input-intensive crops and animal agriculture contribute significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions and global warming.
Solutions to the Crisis
Transforming our food systems will help avert devastating climate change and ecological devastation. Many Canadian farmers are already leading the way by incorporating principles of sustainability into their practices. And the good news is that healthy diets are also environmentally sustainable.
Food outlets and school cafeterias can play a role in reducing inefficiencies in the food system, such as food waste, and improving sustainability by promoting healthy eating. To achieve this, schools need more resources and autonomy to counter misinformation about food and position Canadians for success by making healthy choices attractive.
Canada’s Bioregional Food Systems
Many Canadians support local, bioregional food systems as an alternative to anonymous, transnational food systems. However, these local initiatives are not enough on their own to meet our health, community vitality, and environmental goals.
To make a meaningful impact, local food movements must be part of a larger, coordinated effort supported by policies that align agricultural production with healthy diets.
A Call to Change
None of these changes can occur without moving beyond the current, outdated productionist model that views agriculture in isolation and relies on the belief that only global-industrial food systems can feed the world.
In fact, smaller-scale agroecological farmers operating in bioregional food systems are key. Achieving our broader societal goals means thinking of food through agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability lenses.
Canada needs a new vision of agriculture that connects health and environment goals with sustainable diets and prosperous family farming. This vision must prioritize nutritious diets, human and environmental health, and the overall well-being of society beyond profits, market share, and food exports.
FAQs
Q: What is the impact of diet-related diseases on health-care costs in Canada?
A: The health-care costs of diet-related diseases are estimated to account for at least 2% of all health-care costs in Canada, with some estimates suggesting it could be as high as 19%.
Q: How does agriculture contribute to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions?
A: Agriculture is a significant contributor to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: What is the role of local food systems in addressing food challenges?
A: Local food systems are important, but they must be part of a larger, coordinated effort supported by policies that align agricultural production with healthy diets.
Q: What is the impact of government policies on agricultural production and food security?
A: Government policies must prioritize agricultural production that aligns with healthy diets and sustainability goals to ensure food security.
Q: What is the role of schools in promoting healthy eating and sustainable food systems?
A: Schools must be equipped with resources and autonomy to promote healthy eating and sustainable food systems, and counter misinformation about food.
